Punta Gorda is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Punta Gorda is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Punta Gorda, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
The park features three campgrounds with 90 campsites. Each site is equipped with 50-amp electrical service, water, a fire ring and picnic table. The sites in Palmetto Ridge also have sewer hook-ups. A dump station is located near Old Prairie Campground. Laundry facilities are available to all campers in Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds. All campsites are located within 40 yards of restroom facilities with hot showers.
NOTE: Non-Potable Water
Effective May 11, 2023: Drinking water is temporarily unavailable at Myakka River State Park. Please remember to bring your own water. Bottled water is also available at no cost at the ranger station from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt-based. The sites in Palmetto Ridge are gravel-based, except for four ADA paved sites adjoining restrooms. Old Prairie and Big Flats do not have vegetation buffers.
The Big Flats Campground is located near the Upper Myakka Lake, Myakka Outpost, a fishing deck and Wi-Fi.
Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds are located near the State Road 72 park entrance, the Myakka River, the campfire circle, a small playground and Myakka Friends Gift Shop. Well-behaved pets are welcome in these three campgrounds, up to four per site.
There are six primitive campgrounds (Mossy Hammock, Bee Island, Honore, Panther Point, Oak Grove and Prairie) located along the hiking trails for backpackers. These rustic settings provide campers with a fire pit and post to hang items. Each campground has three campsites, and a maximum of four people may be on each site. Only Bee Island, Oak Grove and Prairie have water pumps. Water at these sites is not potable; it requires boiling/chemical treatment. Other sites do not have water; you must bring your own. The terrain is primarily prairie, and dehydration is possible even on the coolest days.
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s largest parks with 37,000 acres of its own. Home to the officially designated “Wild and Scenic” Myakka River, this state park is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers who are looking to get closer to the natural, diverse Florida wildlife.
Choose from one of over 80 campsites while Myakka State Park camping and get ready to explore!
Bring your kayak and make your way through a variety of waterways where you can spot american alligators, snook, ospreys, and countless species of birds.
Embark on one of many hiking trails to explore more of the unique environments found within Myakka River State Park. Trek to the highlands to get a look at Florida’s traditional wetlands where marshes, cypress dome trees, and grazing birds will welcome you. Go even deeper to reach the diverse array of grasses, wildflowers, and vines that grow freely in the park’s protected dry prairies. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you! Short shrubs in the dry prairies allow visitors to see for miles in any direction.
You’ll also want to bring the camera atop the Canopy Walkway at Myakka River. Just a short walk from the main road, this suspension bridge provides a panoramic view of the entire park from a unique vantage point above the tree canopy. Every camper can find what they’re looking for at this Florida park.
$26 / night
Cayo Costa State Park protects the Charlotte Harbor Estuary and provides visitors with a majestic piece of untouched Florida.
An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. This especially rings true for Cayo Costa Island.
Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians features nine miles of undeveloped shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, birdwatching and exploration along with several walking and bicycling trails through the island’s interior. Shorebirds are numerous, and one might spot manatees, porpoises and sea turtles offshore.
This is coastal Florida at its best! Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays, and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations. Visitors are reminded that camping is allowed only in designated sites in the campground on Cayo Costa.
$22 / night
A
$26 / night
Peace River Campground offers over 100 acres of wilderness camping for your enjoyment. You can make camp anywhere you like, including many places right on the beautiful Peace River's edge. During less busy times you can spend days out of site of other campers. While there are no utilities, picnic tables, or other campground amenities, you are only a short walk to our hot showers, swimming pool, campground store and all the trappings of the "civilized" world.
$16 - $80 / night
Visitors flock to W.P. Franklin Campground for its well-kept facilities and location on the Caloosahatchee River, where campers can fish, boat and take it easy in sunny southwest Florida. The campground, about 10 miles east of Fort Myers, provides visitors with a taste of tranquil, tropical country life. Nearby Telegraph Creek, offers exciting opportunities to canoe Florida's backcountry swamps and view wildlife.
Fishing for both salt and fresh water game fish is popular, as is boating. A unique feature of the campground is its cruiser sites, where campers sleep on their boat while enjoying the perks of the campsite facilities.
The campground is almost completely surrounded by the Caloosahatchee River with just a narrow stretch of land connecting it to the shore. The Caloosahatchee River is part of the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
Visit the U.S Army Corps of Engineers visitor center across the river in the W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area. Visit downtown Fort Myers for flea markets, grocery stores, shopping and the historic Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates, or spend a day exploring the sandy Gulf of Mexico beaches, about 45 minutes from the campground.
$35 / night
Koreshan State Park offers 60 campsites, all with electricity and water, a picnic table and fire ring. Twelve sites are designated tent camping only and located next to the Estero River. Four paved ADA campsites are available. Sites have a vegetation buffer between them for privacy. Firewood and ice are available for campers at the ranger station. The picnic area and playground are a short walk from the campground. A dump station is available for RV campers. The bathhouse includes a utility area with washers, dryers, sinks and vending machines. Pets, including cats, are welcome in the campground but must be well-behaved and be kept on no longer than a six-foot leash. Maximum RV length = 40 feet. Hammocks are allowed to be used in campsites number 18, 20, 21 and 22 and must be set up using straps at least 2 inches wide on trees at least 12 inches in diameter. Ropes are not permitted.
$26 / night
$120 / night
Creekside RV Resort welcomes Class A’s, B’s, C’s, 5th wheels and Travel Trailers in excellent condition, 24′ and longer and 10 years and newer. Older RVs require a photo submittal and resort management approval.
The park features three campgrounds with 90 campsites. Each site is equipped with 50-amp electrical service, water, a fire ring and picnic table. The sites in Palmetto Ridge also have sewer hook-ups. A dump station is located near Old Prairie Campground. Laundry facilities are available to all campers in Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds. All campsites are located within 40 yards of restroom facilities with hot showers.
NOTE: Non-Potable Water
Effective May 11, 2023: Drinking water is temporarily unavailable at Myakka River State Park. Please remember to bring your own water. Bottled water is also available at no cost at the ranger station from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt-based. The sites in Palmetto Ridge are gravel-based, except for four ADA paved sites adjoining restrooms. Old Prairie and Big Flats do not have vegetation buffers.
The Big Flats Campground is located near the Upper Myakka Lake, Myakka Outpost, a fishing deck and Wi-Fi.
Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds are located near the State Road 72 park entrance, the Myakka River, the campfire circle, a small playground and Myakka Friends Gift Shop. Well-behaved pets are welcome in these three campgrounds, up to four per site.
There are six primitive campgrounds (Mossy Hammock, Bee Island, Honore, Panther Point, Oak Grove and Prairie) located along the hiking trails for backpackers. These rustic settings provide campers with a fire pit and post to hang items. Each campground has three campsites, and a maximum of four people may be on each site. Only Bee Island, Oak Grove and Prairie have water pumps. Water at these sites is not potable; it requires boiling/chemical treatment. Other sites do not have water; you must bring your own. The terrain is primarily prairie, and dehydration is possible even on the coolest days.
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s largest parks with 37,000 acres of its own. Home to the officially designated “Wild and Scenic” Myakka River, this state park is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers who are looking to get closer to the natural, diverse Florida wildlife.
Choose from one of over 80 campsites while Myakka State Park camping and get ready to explore!
Bring your kayak and make your way through a variety of waterways where you can spot american alligators, snook, ospreys, and countless species of birds.
Embark on one of many hiking trails to explore more of the unique environments found within Myakka River State Park. Trek to the highlands to get a look at Florida’s traditional wetlands where marshes, cypress dome trees, and grazing birds will welcome you. Go even deeper to reach the diverse array of grasses, wildflowers, and vines that grow freely in the park’s protected dry prairies. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you! Short shrubs in the dry prairies allow visitors to see for miles in any direction.
You’ll also want to bring the camera atop the Canopy Walkway at Myakka River. Just a short walk from the main road, this suspension bridge provides a panoramic view of the entire park from a unique vantage point above the tree canopy. Every camper can find what they’re looking for at this Florida park.
$26 / night
Cayo Costa State Park protects the Charlotte Harbor Estuary and provides visitors with a majestic piece of untouched Florida.
An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. This especially rings true for Cayo Costa Island.
Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians features nine miles of undeveloped shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, birdwatching and exploration along with several walking and bicycling trails through the island’s interior. Shorebirds are numerous, and one might spot manatees, porpoises and sea turtles offshore.
This is coastal Florida at its best! Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays, and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations. Visitors are reminded that camping is allowed only in designated sites in the campground on Cayo Costa.
$22 / night
A
$26 / night
Peace River Campground offers over 100 acres of wilderness camping for your enjoyment. You can make camp anywhere you like, including many places right on the beautiful Peace River's edge. During less busy times you can spend days out of site of other campers. While there are no utilities, picnic tables, or other campground amenities, you are only a short walk to our hot showers, swimming pool, campground store and all the trappings of the "civilized" world.
$16 - $80 / night
Visitors flock to W.P. Franklin Campground for its well-kept facilities and location on the Caloosahatchee River, where campers can fish, boat and take it easy in sunny southwest Florida. The campground, about 10 miles east of Fort Myers, provides visitors with a taste of tranquil, tropical country life. Nearby Telegraph Creek, offers exciting opportunities to canoe Florida's backcountry swamps and view wildlife.
Fishing for both salt and fresh water game fish is popular, as is boating. A unique feature of the campground is its cruiser sites, where campers sleep on their boat while enjoying the perks of the campsite facilities.
The campground is almost completely surrounded by the Caloosahatchee River with just a narrow stretch of land connecting it to the shore. The Caloosahatchee River is part of the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
Visit the U.S Army Corps of Engineers visitor center across the river in the W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area. Visit downtown Fort Myers for flea markets, grocery stores, shopping and the historic Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates, or spend a day exploring the sandy Gulf of Mexico beaches, about 45 minutes from the campground.
$35 / night
Koreshan State Park offers 60 campsites, all with electricity and water, a picnic table and fire ring. Twelve sites are designated tent camping only and located next to the Estero River. Four paved ADA campsites are available. Sites have a vegetation buffer between them for privacy. Firewood and ice are available for campers at the ranger station. The picnic area and playground are a short walk from the campground. A dump station is available for RV campers. The bathhouse includes a utility area with washers, dryers, sinks and vending machines. Pets, including cats, are welcome in the campground but must be well-behaved and be kept on no longer than a six-foot leash. Maximum RV length = 40 feet. Hammocks are allowed to be used in campsites number 18, 20, 21 and 22 and must be set up using straps at least 2 inches wide on trees at least 12 inches in diameter. Ropes are not permitted.
$26 / night
Scout
Winter Quarters Manatee is a beautiful resort with a lot of activities and amenities (which include 2 heated pools and a spa). The staff have been great and the clubhouse is beautiful. Very close to beaches, Anna Marie Island, Sarasota, and Tampa. The only downside is that you are close to I75, and there is construction currently underway.
Scout
Nice weather, lots of dining together
Scout
Great paths to manicured campsites. All have fire ring, bbq, and picnic table. Primitive showers available; restrooms available. WiFi works good; but there’s miles of trails to walk. Caretakers are friendly.
Scout
Checked in to site 36 and discovered some very comfortable folks letting their gear go over multiple spots. They weren't happy we had actually showed up and "took their extra parking spot", so they parked blocking the road. No privacy, no barriers between spots. No wifi, no AT&T. Literally 3 yards away from their open fire, which also isn't legal in these dry conditions. When I asked for help with the site, I was told I was lucky to even have one at all. Ok......
Traveler
We love our stay as we didn’t have any plans to go to Florida we found this resort and love it. Nice amenities, large campsites, nice pool and clubhouse, maybe a bit noisy from the road…
Guide
Nice park. Lots of trails. Convenient location right off of highway 41, but sites are far enough in that it's quiet. Beaches are close. Restaurants are close. Power and water, but no sewer connections at sites. There is a dump station and dumpsters near the entrance of the camping area.
Scout
Very Clean Quiet and Very Helpful and Friendly Staff
Scout
Great campground for any type of camping. All sites at Palmetto Ridge are full hookup and many sites are pull through. ATT WiFi is fast enough to stream YouTube and YouTube TV via my Apple TV box tethered to my iPhone.
Guide
Very friendly host, clean bathroom, the environment are so charming
Traveler
We're beyond excited for the grand opening of Palm Breeze Luxury RV Resort and have already booked our stay for 2025! The amazing amenities, combined with the family-friendly and pet-friendly atmosphere, make it the perfect getaway for everyone. The reservations team was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the new management company is doing a fantastic job. We can't wait to experience everything this resort has to offer!
Guide
Love this place. Love the woods , always see critters along the creek. Campsites are clean and bathhouse is cleaned daily. Great hiking, fishing, bird watching or just chillaxin. Staff is always helpful. Been here many times and will definitely be back!
Legend
This is an all around winner. On the beach with shells, sunsets, waves and all that the beach has to offer. PLUS nice wide sites - wider than I was expecting. We’ve got a drivers side slide and gave it plenty of room plus the picnic area. Love the foliage dividing sites. Nice laundry, great bathrooms, tons of rinsing and washing opportunities. The cherry on top - the bathroom/showers has an AC!! Everyone hates to get sticky after a shower and the AC took that muggy edge right off in August! Unexpected awesomeness.
ScoutThis park is a nice park, it looks so much better since that Spanish guy started doing the landscaping. The grass is no longer brown. It's lush and d pretty. There is a tenant that lives there that has no regard to the law or respect to others I believe his name is Bo(real name Roy) threatened to shoot up a neighbor’s house, destroyed property gets abusive when he is drunk or on meth. He hurt a veteran, a man that has cancer including his wife because he is always drunk ang high. He's sleeping with a married neighbor. Theres too much negativity and drama in that park with a man that has an extensive criminal record! He also has two restraining orders against in the park as well which he is not supposed to be even living there per the law. There is children that live in this park and his is a threat to society. The owners will not get rid of him some reason which I don’t understand.
Legend
We stayed for a long overnight on our maiden voyage with our new RV. It was a wet second day, but lots of fun. The kids enjoyed the slide (limited hours…ask ahead), and the warm pool was refreshing. Drinks were fair price ($8 for a Bloody Mary and $23 for a double gin and vodka cranberry). Food was good for apps at the pool.
We didn’t utilize the amenities outside of the pool, but will be back to play! We wish the sites (ours was q03) were more shaded, but worth having a nice easy pull thru spot. The guide to the site was a bonus!
TravelerExcellent park for hiking, kayak, and fishing. Beautifully preserved wildlife and well maintained facilities eoth friendly.
ScoutSpoke to the person who owns it and they said it’s closed and there will be a house build on it this year.
Traveler
This is a beautiful Class A only resort. 100 sites on the Myakka River with Amazon
sunsets. Sites are typically 70’ x 50’ . Large roads easy access.
Extremely active community in season, a peaceful retreat in the off season.
Sites are individually owned, some with Casitas, some with outdoor kitchens etc. Great Wi-Fi, individual cat 5 cable to each site. Boardwalk along the river, fishing pier, kayak launch. They have 5 pickleball courts. Large heated resort pool with attached lap pool. Two large dog parks.
Water aerobics in season. Small gym. Yoga, on spite massages and facials in season. Extremely active social calendar, open to everyone. Beautifully remodeled clubhouse, with a large subset deck overlooking the river. Close to everything, multiple beaches 20 minutes away, great shopping and restaurants are close by. Extremely friendly owners, they treat renters like members of their family. We travel in a Newmar Ventana.
Scout
Beautiful property, well maintained and staffed. I did feel out of place though, a lot of snooty looks as we walked around. I wouldn't recommend
Traveler
Tucked away between Englewood and North Port, this primitive site is only eight dollars to stay at. Not too bad, but the campsite looked like it wasn't maintained at all. There was a big dilapidated bin of random trash that looked like it had been there for quite some time (site 3), a ton of cigarette butts, melted plastic pieces everywhere, etc. We even found an... adult toy about ten feet outside of the area of our site.
That being said, it was quiet, and you couldn't beat the scenery and nature once we cleaned up the area a bit. The sites are spread apart enough that it doesn't feel like your neighbor is on top of you, which was a huge plus.
Out of all the sites, 3 had the most privacy and had great views of the forest. If we decide to go again, we will definitely stay at this site. The other sites seemed a little bare and less private.
For the price, you can't complain too much. Just make sure to lock the gate behind you because by the many many signs posted, they're threatening to shut the sites down permanently if you don't.
Guide
The location was lovely, and the camp host was wonderfully accommodating. However, considering the $80 nightly fee for waterside parking, I anticipated that the septic would be included. The heated pool was a pleasant amenity. While the bathrooms were clean, they would benefit from a remodel, and it was disappointing to find no handicap-accessible showers available.
Scout
We came back to this gem and met with friends from Florida, we had our RVs next to each other and it was so much fun. We had a great time. Big thanks to the Linger Lodge RV Team, you do an excellent job! Everything is so clean and everybody is so friendly! We stayed at Linger Lodge RV Park for the first time and will definitely be back! We enjoyed every minute. The place was very clean, we loved the pool. The management was very accommodating and helpful. It was very nice to chat with him, he helped us find our lot and accommodate our trailer. We came late and he checked on us several times to make sure that we had everything we needed. We stayed on a River Site#37. Just be aware you are next to the River, there will be mosquitos at night. The gym is small but clean and has everything we needed. Staff was Amazing and check out the Restaurant!
ScoutWonderful Park, everything is very clean. We had a wonderful time. Did some great Art crafts in the afternoon and the chili, the manager made for the guests, on January 1st by the fire pit was absolutely delicious. The pool and Spa are spectacular. You are close to everything but you still feel like being far away. Everybody is very accommodating. Great Management, great Team! We will be back soon!
Traveler
If you are a traditional camper stay away. This place is mainly for trucks and ATV’s. There is sugar sand everywhere and my car got stuck. After they helped me get out I left.
Traveler
Note: TT Encore does not mean a special upgraded park,
Per TT, Encore parks are ones that agree to hold several sites for TT members. We've come to understand the worst sites are set aside for TT members
Don't waste your money if TT and do research on what site you get if not This is the second worse Encore park we've visited
Booked this site 60 days ago for longer BUT left early as it was so bad One lane roads with 2 way traffic. If you have a big rig, it will be tight.
Our Site: Side and rear backs up to the park dump and supply site.
Grass/dirt site.
Our front has 6 foot diameter sewer drum which is leaking vapor, picnic table over some access panel.
Some resolution could be had if a privacy fence was put up to shelter the view Surrounded by year round residents, some homes well kept, most not so much, some abandoned and trashed
I reached out to park manager and was after 2 hours and we already set up in 85 degree heat, there was 1 other site but it was just as bad.
We paid an additional$20 per night, I asked for a refund, response was Why? What did you expect?
They said to contact TT I contacted TT and they said they couldn't do anything, but I could file a complaint. Our neighbor was here 3 months, they said on Google earth the area behind us was a field at time of booking. Also told if they wanted to rebook for next year, they would have to have the same site! They aren't coming back either
ALSO at 630 am a crew decided to install an electric both beside the septic tank, pic ax, sawing metal and cement.
So much for our vacation stay
ScoutThe views were gorgeous and the beauty was captivating
Traveler
We were lucky to grab a weekend spot thanks to a snowbird cancellation. Park rangers were great. Pine firewood available for $5 a bundle. (Not the greatest campfire fuel, but it works.) not heavily wooded as others have stated, but nicely private between most sites. Bathhouses were always clean in the AM and early PM. Options for basic, sand-based hikes. Great views from the lake and I am sure fishing is wonderful, though we did not try. I will say that the racetrack nearby made the location a bit unsettling, but we were thankful that the drivers were only doing quarter mile runs. Cars ran from 8am to 11pm, it seems.
Overall, we would stay on the outside of loop 2 for less than 4 nights of we came again.
Scout
Couldn't complete booking, redid 4 times, need booking ASAP
Camping near Punta Gorda, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Punta Gorda has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or looking for a family-friendly spot. Just be sure to check the campground details and reviews to find the perfect fit for your adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Punta Gorda, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Punta Gorda, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 132 campgrounds and RV parks near Punta Gorda, FL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Punta Gorda, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Punta Gorda, FL is Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Punta Gorda, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Punta Gorda, FL.
What parks are near Punta Gorda, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Punta Gorda, FL that allow camping, notably Lake Okeechobee and Big Cypress National Preserve.
